Role Overview
The Trust & Probate Paralegal will support the attorney in all aspects of probate and trust administrations and litigation surrounding probate, trust and estates. This role requires a high level of independence, exceptional communication skills, and strong technical proficiency to thrive in a hybrid/virtual environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Probate Administration:
- Direct communication with clients to collect information necessary to including in filings
- Prepare and file petitions, manage deadlines, and coordinate court filings.
- Draft judicial council forms for all aspects of probate administrations
- Draft probate code compliant accounts using software provided
Trust Administration:
- Direct communication with clients to collect information necessary for administration of the Trust.
- Draft notices, real property documents (Deeds, PRCORs, Affidavits, Change of Ownership, Trust Certifications etc.)
- Handle trust funding, asset retitling, and communication with beneficiaries.
- Draft probate code compliant accounts using software provided
Trust and Estate Litigation:
- Direct communication with clients to collect information necessary to either bring claims to dispute validity of estate planning documents or fiduciary abuse claims or to litigate validity of such claims
- Draft, review, summarize and proofread pleadings, correspondence, fiduciary reports, and petitions.
- Discovery – Draft discovery including special interrogatories, request for admissions, request for production, subpoenas, deposition notices.
Court Appearances & Depositions:
- Attend depositions and trials as needed.
- Provide litigation support, including assistance with discovery and trial preparation.
Client & Beneficiary Relations:
- Client maintenance - Maintain regular contact, prepare for meetings, and provide timely case updates.
Collaboration & Administration:
- Support file management, maintain accurate records, and enter data in Clio.
Key Qualifications & Core Competencies
- Minimum of 5 Years of Trust & Probate Litigation Paralegal Experience:
- Significant hands-on experience in trust administration, probate, and litigated probate matters within a law firm setting.
- Focused on civil/commercial litigation.
- Solid experience in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing witness lists, coordinating with experts, and managing pre-trial deadlines.
- Hands-on experience supporting attorneys through mediation and mandatory settlement conferences.
- While 95% of cases typically settle during mediation or settlement conferences, candidates must have participated in at least a few full trial preparations to understand the scope and demands of litigation.
- Strong organizational and case management skills, with the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong English Communication Skills (Written & Verbal):
- Proven Organizational Skills & Meticulous Attention to Detail:
- Essential for managing complex matters and supporting an aggressive litigating practice; precision is critical.
- High Level of Integrity, Empathy, and Discretion:
- Strict confidentiality and compassionate, professional demeanor when handling sensitive information.
- Demonstrated Ability to Work Independently and Proactively in a Virtual Environment:
- Able to self-manage, take initiative, and thrive in a remote or hybrid setup.
- Strong Technical Proficiency with Google Workspace and the Aptitude to Master Clio:
- Comfort with daily use of modern legal tech to maintain smooth workflows.
Work Arrangement
- While much of the work can be performed remotely, candidates must be based in San Diego. This is essential to support occasional in-person litigation matters, including depositions, trials, discovery assistance, and court appearances.
